When I was young there was this children’s television show called Captain Planet. In the show, Captain Planet, along with his international gang of friends, would fight polluting marauders and corporations that valued dollars over the ecosystem. Granted, this was fiction but the show did a great job in awakening awareness among a lot of people, including me, just like Rachel Carson did back in the 60s. However, we need more than awareness – we need change. Speaking as a mother of two children, a six year old and a 16 month toddler, I want to write a few words about Seventh Generation’s campaign of not only raising awareness but their attempt to bring about change because as a mother of two I am not taking risks. I also do not think my children, nor should other people’s children, be test subjects. Because that is actually what is going on right now, we buy loads of products that are full of harmful toxins.
With “Their Toxin Freedom Fighters” campaign, Seventh Generation is trying to make the general public aware of the fact that over 85,000 synthetic chemicals have been introduced into products since the Toxic Substances Control Act was passed in 1976, and that the US Environmental Protection Agency has only required testing for less than 10% of these chemicals. Please, stop and take a minute to think that over. To me that is mind boggling because according to the research I have been reading: early exposure to such toxic chemicals may lead to cancer and Alzheimer’s. What worries me even more is that according to the research we are introduced to over 300 toxins before we are born! This can lead to birth defects and learning disabilities, which should make any mother worry. There are so many toxins on the market and in our stores that it feels like I need a PhD in biochemistry and biology just to try and find safe products for my children. We use these cleaning products in our everyday life; everything from toys, to cleaning products we use on our dishes kitchen counters and sheets and so forth. These chemicals are also in our food and beverage containers and personal care items. The list just seems to go and on.
I don’t want to sound too negative; it is just because I am passionate about this cause because I am a mother of two. I was just so shocked to hear and read of this lax supervision and I want safe and toxin free products for my children. I want Congress to reevaluate the Toxic Substances Control Act, which has never been done yet! But there is hope: Seventh Generation is trying to enable reform so these chemicals can be tested and evaluated. So that is why I am helping them collect 100.000 signatures that they intend to deliver to Congress on the 30th of April 2014. I am helping them by signing the petition on www.fighttoxins.com and I hope you do so as well so we can all live toxin-free lives.
I love Seventh Generation products! I use there skincare, dish soap, and cleaners. Love that it has no toxins so I know its gentle on my sensitive skin and kid safe. Very great brand.
I have signed the petition also and this is one issue that has to be addressed. We need to keep out children safe
thanks for the link to the petition. I am a believer that people need to be much more involved as companies and the government truly are not protecting us.
It is so shocking when you first learn just how awful so many of the products sold and marketed in our Country are full of things that are not good for us!